Hawaii Trivia

Hawaii Trivia was Originally Posted on January 4, 2004 by lavarock

Hawai’i is the longest chain of islands in the world, stretching for more than 1000 miles northwest of Kaua’i to Kure Island, beyond Midway. Of this area, there are 137 islands and atols. Only 7 of them are inhabited.

A new island called Lo`ihi about 20 miles off the Big Island, is being formed and will crest sea leven in a mere 60,000 years. It is already designated to be a park.

The Reefs of the Hawaiian Islands make up about 70% of all the reefs in the United States.

The Big Island (the one actually called Hawaii) has almost every kind of weather in the world except artic. The top of Mauna Kea often gets snow and sometimes has 6′ drifts at the observatories. It has a rainforest, desert, freezing temperatures, tropical temperatures, tundra, lava fields, all within a few hours drive.

The Big Island has 5 volcanoes, one has been active for over 20 yearsw. Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa are both over 13,000 feet in height and extend another 130,000 below sea level to the ocean floor.

The state is the most geographically isolated population center on earth (we’re 2,000 miles from the Marshall Islands, 2,390 miles from California, 2,500 miles from Tahiti, 3,850 miles from Japan, 4,900 miles from China, and 5,280 miles from the Philippines)

Hawaii is the only state whoch hosts all branches of the US Military.

The Hawaii Volcanoes National Park has a “drive up” volcano. Drive up and take a short walk from your car to see actual lava flowing! You could be within 6 feet of 2000 degree lava if you wish.

South Point on the Big Island is the southern most point of the US. Key West Florida is the southern most point on the CONTINENTIAL US.

Kauai hosts the wettest spot on earth, but a few miles away is a spot which could be considered a desert.

Hawaii is the only US state which had a King, Queen and a royal palace.

That palace was seen at the opening of every Hawaii-50 episode. Steve McGarrett’s office (upper right corner) was really where the Queen was imprisoned while US business interests took over the country and overthrew the government.

Speaking of Hawaii-50, the “50” was NOT a street address, rather it refers to Hawaii being the US’s 50th state. Hawaii has no state police (which “5 Oh” was supposed to represent).

Hawaii is the only US state that commercially grows coffee.

Hawaii has no snakes in the wild. It has no rabies.

Hawaii has 2 official languages, Hawaiian and English.

“Aloha” is actually mandated by state law.

Hawaii boasts a number of firsts and interesting facts, too numerous to post here. It truely is an amazing place.